Your Guide to Camping at Rice Lake, Ontario

Rice Lake, Ontario is one of the province's most underrated camping destinations. Just a short drive from Toronto, this Kawartha-area lake offers calm waters, strong fishing, and a laid-back pace that makes it ideal for a weekend escape or an extended summer stay. If you're planning a camping trip to Rice Lake, Ontario, here's what to know before you book your spot.

Why Rice Lake Is Worth the Drive

Rice Lake sits near Bewdley, Ontario, close enough to the GTA for an easy weekend trip but far enough to feel like a true getaway. The lake is known for walleye and bass fishing, quiet morning paddles, and warm-weather swimming, making it a solid pick for anglers, families, and anyone craving lakeside downtime without a long haul north.

Choosing the Right Camping Spot

Not all camping is the same, and Rice Lake offers a mix of options depending on how you like to camp. At Sunny Shades Resort & Spa, campers can choose from several BYO (Bring Your Own) Trailer or Tent sites right on the water. Whether you're towing a travel trailer, driving an RV, or pitching a tent, there's a spot suited to your setup.

Sites are available for couples, families, and outdoor enthusiasts, and most accommodate 2 guests at the base rate, with additional guests welcome for a small nightly fee. Pet owners can bring furry companions along too, for a modest per-night charge - a nice perk for campers who don't want to leave the dog behind.

Hookups and Practical Amenities

If you're bringing an RV or trailer, service matters. Several sites at Sunny Shades come equipped with water, 30 Amp electrical, and sewage connections, so you can camp comfortably without sacrificing convenience. This makes it easy to settle in for a short weekend or a longer stay without constantly running back into town for supplies.

For campers who want the basics without full hookups, other BYO spots offer a simpler, more rustic waterfront setup - still close to washroom facilities, with the same easy lake access.

What's Included On-Site

Camping at Rice Lake doesn't mean roughing it entirely. Sunny Shades Resort & Spa

Waterfront access for boating, and fishing directly on Rice Lake

Outdoor pool for cooling off between lake activities

Bonfire areas for evening campfires

Game room with pool table, air hockey, and foosball

Mini golf course for casual family fun

Kids' play area to keep younger campers entertained

Convenience store stocked with snacks and beverages

Equipment borrowing for games and outdoor gear

These extras make Sunny Shades a good middle ground between a bare-bones campsite and a full-service resort - you get the outdoor camping experience with a few comforts close at hand.

Things to Do While You're There

Beyond the campsite itself, Rice Lake keeps campers busy. Fishing is a major draw, with walleye, bass, and perch pulling in anglers throughout the season. Boating and kayaking are easy from most waterfront sites, and sunset views over the lake are consistently one of the most-mentioned highlights among guests. If you want to explore beyond the resort, the surrounding Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough region offers small-town shops, local diners, and additional lake access points worth a day trip.

Best Time to Camp at Rice Lake

Peak camping season on Rice Lake runs from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures are best for swimming and fishing conditions are strongest. Weekends fill up quickly in July and August, so booking a few weeks ahead is a smart move if you have specific dates in mind.

Planning Your Stay

Camping at Rice Lake works well whether you're after a quiet, unplugged weekend or a more social trip with games, a pool, and a stocked convenience store nearby. With multiple BYO trailer and tent spots, serviced and unserviced options, and pet-friendly policies, Sunny Shades Resort & Spa is built to fit a range of camping styles.

Ready to plan your trip? Browse available BYO trailer and tent spots at Sunny Shades Resort & Spa and book your Rice Lake camping getaway today